feeble

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 Translations 1.4 Verb 1.5 References

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

< Middle English feble < Anglo-Norman feble (“‘weak, feeble’”) < Latin flebilis (“‘tearful, mournful, lamentable’”) < flere (“‘to weep’”), akin to fluere (“‘to flow’”); see fluent.

[edit] Pronunciation

•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

  Rhymes: -iːbəl

[edit] Adjective

feeble (comparative feebler, superlative feeblest)

1. Deficient in physical strength; weak; infirm; debilitated.

   Though she appeared old and feeble, she could still throw a ball.

2. Wanting force, vigor, or efficiency in action or expression; faint.

   That was a feeble excuse for an example.

[edit] Synonyms

• (physically weak): weak, infirm, debilitated
• (wanting force vigor or efficiency): faint

[edit] Derived terms

• enfeeble
• feebleness
• feeble-minded
• feebly

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

to feeble (third-person singular simple present feebles, present participle feebling, simple past and past participle feebled)

1. (obsolete) To make feeble; to enfeeble.

[edit] References

• feeble in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• feeble in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911